Bethesda, Inc. is dedicated to empowering survivors and enhancing prevention through education, striving for a future where no child has to endure the trauma of sexual abuse alone.
Julie Sisler, a 25-year-old Ph.D. student, initially aimed for a career in academia, but her focus shifted from merely researching issues to actively contributing to solutions. In 2023, she took on the role of office manager at Bethesda, Inc., the only center in Oklahoma focused specifically on the treatment, education, and prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Just a few months later, she was invited to step in as the interim executive director during an organizational transition, and it wasn’t long before the position became a permanent one.
“By day three, I knew I didn’t want this to be temporary,” says Sisler. “Every day at Bethesda is full of laughter and the scent of popcorn and freshly baked cookies. It’s a place for families to come together and for children to walk out standing taller than the day before.”
Research conducted by David Finkelhor, the director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, indicates that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys face childhood sexual abuse. However, many experts believe the actual figures are higher, as numerous cases go unreported. This underreporting is often linked to stigma and a shortage of educational resources regarding childhood sexual abuse.
In 2023, Bethesda rolled out its Stop, Go, and Tell program, an age-appropriate initiative designed to teach elementary school kids about healthy boundaries. This program reached over 30,000 residents in Oklahoma. Additional offerings include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for survivors and support groups for non-offending caregivers, all aimed at fostering healing and empowerment. Every service is provided free of charge, ensuring that children can access the help they need without barriers.
“We seek to destigmatize childhood sexual abuse and personal boundaries because we have seen how doing so can not only change the life of the child we serve, but can positively impact their family, friends, classmates, and even future generations,” Sisler says.
